Former police officer pleads guilty in sexual abuse case

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — A former Twin Falls police officer has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing young girls.

William Jansen, 33, admitted to the crimes Thursday as part of a plea bargain, the Times-News <a target=”&mdash;blank” href=”http://magicvalley.com/news/local/update-former-twin-falls-cop-accused-of-sexually-abusing-young/article%E2%80%9479b24f98-364b-51c2-839e-5bf6b0e12491.html”>reported</a> .

The charges were amended from four counts of lewd conduct with a minor to two counts of sexual abuse of a minor under 16.

A teenage girl told authorities last year that Jansen sexually abused her in 2008 and 2009 when she was between 7 and 9 years old.

She told authorities that Jansen had also abused at least two other girls, including one who has since died.

One of the victims is now an adult and a second will turn 18 soon, said Ada County Deputy Prosecutor Kassandra Slaven.

“We are pleased with the outcome and appreciate the Twin Falls sheriff’s office’s work on the case,” she said. “We feel it’s a good outcome for the victims.”

On Wednesday, his ex-wives Nicole Mathis and Amanda Barnes both testified that Jansen had talked to them about the abuse of the young girls during their marriages.

Jansen has agreed to undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation as part of the deal.

The result of the evaluation could impact the severity of his sentence, which Slaven said could include prison time depending on his risk of re-offending.

Jansen will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Jansen will be sentenced May 21, his lawyer Joe Filicetti said.

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Information from: The Times-News, <a target=”&mdash;blank” href=”http://www.magicvalley.com”>http://www.magicvalley.com</a>

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